The town centre commercial manager Andrew Mawhinney is urging as many town centre store owners as possible to open their shops on the national holiday.

Traditionally, most town centre shops remain closed on St Patrick's Day. However, Mr Mawhinney said opening for business when Dundalk is full of potential customers is too good an opportunity to ignore, especially in the current economic climate.

"Thousands of people flock into Dundalk town centre for the St Patrick's Day Parade," Mr Mawhinny said, "and rather than just window shopping, some people would take the chance to have a leisurely shop while they are in town, particularly if they have a Nice One Gift Card they want to use.

Mr Mawhinney added that capitalising on extra footfall is essential in such economic times.

"Obviously we are all deeply disappointed with business closures in Dundalk, and in particular stores closing on Clanbrassil Street.

"On a positive note, a number of outlets are interested in opening for business in Clanbrassil Street and I feel that it has to be a team effort in bringing this about.

"Opening on St Patrick's Day shows Dundalk still wants to do business whenever the opportunity arises."

"Opening town centre shops would also prevent many people heading elsewhere on St Patrick's Day," Mr Mawhinney said.

Dundalk Town Centre Commercial Management (TCCM) has taken a keen interest in this year's St Patrick's Day celebrations.

They are sponsoring the parade and organising the Best of Irish Food Week, which runs from March 10-17.

The Best of Irish Food Week will see eateries throughout Dundalk offering diners a special Irish dish created with local produce.

Andrew Mawhinney said Dundalk TCCM involvement in the St Patrick's Week celebrations is part of a team effort to encourage people to visit Dundalk town centre.

"The parade is getting better each year," he said, "which is the reason why people are coming into the town centre in the first place.